DRC: Fatalities reported following flooding in eastern provinces April 17 /update 1

Event

On Monday, April 20, flooding from heavy rain in eastern provinces, have caused at least 36 fatalities. At least 42 people have suffered injuries and 3500 houses have been destroyed in South Kivu, with several districts in the cities of Bukavu and Uvira affected following the overflow of the Mulongwe River. According to the UN, more than 77,000 people have been displaced in eastern DRC as a result of the rains, ongoing in the regions since early April.

Further heavy rain is forecast in east and south until Wednesday, April 22. Further disruption due to damage from the flooding and continued rescue operations should be expected in the near term.

Advice

Individuals in the affected areas are advised to monitor local weather reports, anticipate transportation disruptions, avoid areas directly affected by flooding, confirm road conditions before setting out, and adhere to instructions issued by local authorities. Avoid walking or driving through floodwaters; 15 cm (6 in) of running water is enough to knock over an adult.